System and method for securing fittings to flexible pipe

ABSTRACT

A system includes a flexible pipe that includes a liner surrounding a bore of the flexible pipe, a reinforcement layer surrounding the liner, and a shield layer surrounding the reinforcement layer. The system also includes a pipe fitting coupled to an end of the flexible pipe and a securing mechanism at least partially disposed in an opening in at least one of the liner layer, the shield layer, or both of the flexible pipe. The securing mechanism is configured to engage with the reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe when the pipe fitting is coupled to the end of the flexible pipe.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/419,180, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING FITTINGS TOFLEXIBLE PIPE” and filed on May 22, 2019, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Flexible pipe is useful in a myriad of environments, including in theoil and gas industry. Flexible pipe may be durable and operational inharsh operating conditions and can accommodate high pressures andtemperatures. Flexible pipe may be bundled and arranged into one or morecoils to facilitate transporting and using the pipe.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a systemthat includes a flexible pipe that includes a liner surrounding a boreof the flexible pipe, a reinforcement layer surrounding the liner, and ashield layer surrounding the reinforcement layer. The system alsoincludes a pipe fitting coupled to an end of the flexible pipe and asecuring mechanism at least partially disposed in an opening in at leastone of the liner layer, the shield layer, or both of the flexible pipe.The securing mechanism is configured to engage with the reinforcementlayer of the flexible pipe when the pipe fitting is coupled to the endof the flexible pipe.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to amethod that includes providing a flexible pipe that includes a linerlayer surrounding a bore of the flexible pipe, a reinforcement layersurrounding the liner layer, and a shield layer surrounding thereinforcement layer. The method also includes creating an opening in atleast one of the liner layer, the shield layer, or both of the flexiblepipe, inserting at least a portion of the securing mechanism into theopening, positioning a pipe fitting over an end of the flexible pipe,and coupling the pipe fitting to the end of the flexible pipe therebyengaging the securing mechanism with the reinforcement layer of theflexible pipe.

Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a flexible pipe coupling system thatincludes a flexible pipe, a pipe fitting, and a securing mechanismaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible pipe according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a pipe fitting according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe fitting according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe fitting according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe fitting according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism prior to insertinginto a flexible pipe according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism installed in aflexible pipe according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flexible pipe prior to insertion of asecuring mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism installed in aflexible pipe according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a first leg of a securing mechanismaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a first leg of a securing mechanismaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a first leg of a securing mechanismaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems usedfor joining together portions of flexible pipe or joining connectors toflexible pipe. Joining techniques according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure may include a securing mechanism at least partiallydisposed in an opening in at least one of an inner layer, outer layer,or both of the flexible pipe. The securing mechanism may be configuredto engage with an inner reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe when apipe fitting is coupled to the flexible pipe.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below withreference to the figures. In one aspect, embodiments disclosed hereinrelate to embodiments for joining together portions of flexible pipe orjoining connectors to flexible pipe.

As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” may indicateestablishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limitedto either unless expressly referenced as such. The term “set” may referto one or more items. Wherever possible, like or identical referencenumerals are used in the figures to identify common or the sameelements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain featuresand certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale forpurposes of clarification.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a flexible pipecoupling system 10 that includes a flexible pipe 12, a pipe fitting 14,and a securing mechanism 16. The flexible pipe 12 may refer to any typeof flexible pipe or piping capable of being bent into a coil. Such coilsof flexible pipe 12 may reduce the amount of space taken up by pipeduring manufacturing, shipping, transportation, and deployment comparedto rigid pipe that is not capable of being bent into a coil.

Pipe, as understood by those of ordinary skill, may be a tube to conveyor transfer any water, gas, oil, or any type of fluid known to thoseskilled in the art. The flexible pipe 12 may be made of any type ofmaterials including without limitation plastics, metals, a combinationthereof, composites (e.g., fiber reinforced composites), or othermaterials known in the art. Flexible pipe 12 is used frequently in manyapplications, including without limitation, both onshore and offshoreoil and gas applications. Flexible pipe 12 may include Bonded orUnbonded Flexible Pipe, Flexible Composite Pipe (FCP), ThermoplasticComposite Pipe (TCP) or Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP). A FCP orRTP pipe may itself be generally composed of several layers as describedin more detail below. Flexible pipe 12 may be designed to handle avariety of pressures, temperatures, and conveyed fluids. Further,flexible pipe 12 may offer unique features and benefits versussteel/carbon steel pipe lines in the area of corrosion resistance,flexibility, installation speed and re-usability. Another type ofspoolable pipe is coiled tubing. Coiled tubing may be made of steel.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe fitting 14 is coupled to an end 18 of theflexible pipe 12. Examples of pipe fittings 14 that may be used with theflexible pipe are described below. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecuring mechanism 16 is at least partially disposed in an opening 20 inthe flexible pipe 12. As described in detail below, the securingmechanism 16 is configured to engage with a layer of the flexible pipe12 when the pipe fitting 14 is coupled to the end 18 of the flexiblepipe 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexiblepipe 12. The flexible pipe 12 may be defined by an axial axis ordirection 22, a radial axis or direction 24, and a circumferential axisor direction 26. In one or more embodiments, the flexible pipe 12 mayinclude a liner 30 surrounding a bore 32 of the flexible pipe 12, areinforcement layer 34 surrounding the liner 30, and a shield layer 36surrounding the reinforcement layer 34. As shown in FIG. 2, thereinforcement layer 34 may include a plurality of layers, such as afirst reinforcement layer 38, a second reinforcement layer 40, a thirdreinforcement layer 42, and a fourth reinforcement layer 44. In certainembodiments, the liner 30 and the shield layer 36 may be made from ahigh-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) and the reinforcement layer 34 mayinclude a plurality of layers of helically wound steel strips. Thus, theflexible pipe 12 may include different layers that may be made of avariety of materials and also may be treated for corrosion resistance,such as the shield layer 36. Coiled tubing may also have a corrosionprotection shield layer 36.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the pipe fitting 14.As shown in FIG. 3, the pipe fitting 14 is used to form a pipeline 60 byjoining portions of flexible pipe 12 together in an end-to-endconfiguration via the pipe fitting 14. Thus, the pipe fitting 14 may bereferred to as a midline fitting or midline connector. It will beunderstood that the pipeline 60 may be formed by two or more portions offlexible pipe 12 each joined to one or two adjacent portions of flexiblepipe 12 by pipe fittings 14.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipefitting 14 shown in FIG. 3. Embodiments of the securing mechanism 16 maybe used when the pipe fitting 14 is coupled to the flexible pipe 12, asdescribed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipefitting 14 includes an inner cylindrical tube 70 having a substantiallycylindrical inner surface 72 and an outer surface 74 which is inwardlytapered at a first open end 76 and a further open end 78. The taperhelps locate the pipe ends with respect to the pipe fitting 14 duringconnection. A central region of the outer surface of the tube 70 isstepped outwardly to form a raised central section 80. The raisedportion 80 is itself stepped radially outwardly at one end 82 to form anabutment surface 84.

Prior to securing to the flexible pipe 12, a ring 86 is slipped over thefirst end 76 of the tube 70. The ring 86 has an inner diameter providedby an inner cylindrical surface 88 having a dimension just big enough toslip over the outer diameter of the narrow end of the outer surface ofthe raised portion 80 of the tube 70. An end 90 of the ring 86 abutswith the surface 84 of the wide end of the raised portion 80. This dulylocates the ring 86 in position. The ring 86 has a central cut outregion 92 to aid handling. Other profiles of ring 86 may be utilized.

Subsequent to the fitting of the ring 86 about the raised centralsection 80 of the cylindrical tube 70, a first jacket 94 and furtherjacket 96 are secured to the connecting ring 86 via a weldment,adhesive, bolt or screw or other such fastening mechanism. Each jacket94, 96 has a respective open mouth 98, 100 and is generally cylindricalin shape with an inwardly tapered end which tapers radially inwardly atone end of the jacket. Subsequent to the jackets 94, 96 being secured tothe ring 86, an annulus region is defined at each end of the pipefitting 14. The annular region 102 at a first end of the pipe fitting 14is defined between an outer surface of the cylindrical tube 70 and aninner surface of the jacket 94. A further annulus region 104 is definedbetween an outer surface of a further end of the tube 70 and an innersurface of the jacket 96. It will be understood that the jackets 94, 96may be secured to other locations of the pipe fitting 14.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipefitting 14 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 being used to secure the end 18 of theflexible pipe 12 at one end of the pipe fitting 14 between the jacket 96secured to the ring 86 mounted on the pipe fitting 14. Subsequent tosecuring the jacket 96 to the connector ring 86 via a weldment 120 orother such fastening, the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12 is introducedinto the annulus region 104. Subsequently during a swaging process, thejacket 96 is deformed by a force exerted as shown by arrows A in FIG. 5,which locks the pipe end 18 in the pipe fitting 14. As shown in FIG. 5,the securing mechanism 16 is located in the portion of the flexible pipe12 deformed by the force. As described below, the securing mechanism 16engages with the reinforcement layer 34 during the swaging process. Itwill be appreciated that other fastening techniques, such as bolting,gluing, welding or the like, may be utilized to secure the end 18 of theflexible pipe 12 to the jacket 96 and tube 70.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12 is thus influid communication with a space 122 which is a part of the annularregion 104 between the jacket 96 and cylindrical body 70. As such, theannular region formed between the liner 30 and the shield layer 36(e.g., the reinforcement layer 34) will vent directly into this space122. From there fluid flow occurs via passageways formed as bores orslits through the cylindrical body 70 and/or ring 86 to a correspondingspace at the other end of the pipe fitting 14. From there fluid ventingfrom one flexible pipe 12 can pass into the corresponding annular regionof the adjacent flexible pipe 12. Although one embodiment of a midlinefitting is shown in FIGS. 3-5, it is understood that other embodimentsof midline fittings with different features and configurations may beused with embodiments of the securing mechanism 16 described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pipefitting 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the pipe fitting 14 is used to connectthe flexible pipe 12 to its destination (e.g. a well head valve, anotherpipe fitting, or a connector of another pipe). Thus, the pipe fitting 14may be referred to as an end fitting. In the illustrated embodiment, thepipe fitting 14 includes two separate components that are affixed toeach other: an outer body 140 and an inner body 142.

The outer body 140 is generally cylindrically shaped having an innersurface 144 that defines a bore 146 extending longitudinally through theouter body 140. A connector notch 148 is formed on the outer surface 150of outer body 140 to facilitate connection to its destination. The innerbody 142 is generally cylindrically shaped with an inner surface 152that defines a bore 154 extending longitudinally through the inner body142. One end of the inner body 142 has serrations on the outer surface156 of the inner body 142, forming a serrated pipe connector 158 forreceiving and securing the pipe end 18. The other end of the inner body142 is disposed in bore 146 and mounted to the outer body 140.Specifically, the outer surface 156 of inner body 142 is secured to theinner surface 144 of the outer body 140, preferably with a press-fit(i.e. shear force between the inner surface 144 of outer body 140 andthe outer surface 156 of inner body 142, creating an interference fittherebetween). The interference fit can optionally be temperatureenhanced, where one of the inner/outer bodies 142, 140 is heated and theother is cooled before being fitted together so additional compressiveforces are generated after being fitted together as they equalize intemperature. Optional welds 160 can be formed at the edges of theinner/outer bodies 142, 140, which constitute a redundant seal tocontain pressurized liquids/gasses. Serrations or threads couldadditionally or alternatively be used to secure the outer and innerbodies 142, 140 together for enhanced tensile capacity.

A pipe assembly 162 connects to the pipe fitting 14. Pipe assembly 162includes the flexible pipe 12 and a jacket 164 surrounding the flexiblepipe 12. The end 18 of the flexible pipe 12 slides over and engages theserrated pipe connector 158. The end of the jacket 164 is secured to theouter body 140 by a weld 168. Any liquids or gasses that leak out of theflexible pipe 12 and into a space 166 between flexible pipe 12 andjacket 164 are captured by jacket 164 and guided to the pipe fitting 14.

A vent passage 170 is formed through the outer body 140, providingventing for space 166. Preferably, passage 170 includes a first passageportion 172 extending longitudinally within the outer body 140 (parallelto bore 146), and a second passage portion 174 extending outwardly fromthe first passage portion 172 to the outer surface 150 of outer body 140(i.e. first and second passage portions 172, 174 are orthogonal to eachother). Passage 170 provides fluid communication between space 166 andthe outer surface 150 of outer body 140, where leaked liquids or gassesin space 166 can be vented and captured.

During a swaging process, the jacket 170 is deformed in a similar manneras the pipe fitting 12 shown in FIG. 5, which locks the pipe end 18 inthe pipe fitting 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the securing mechanism 16 islocated in the portion of the flexible pipe 12 deformed by the forceexerted as shown by arrows A. The securing mechanism 16 engages with thereinforcement layer 34 during the swaging process. Although oneembodiment of an end fitting is shown in FIG. 6, it is understood thatother embodiments of end fittings with different features andconfigurations may be used with embodiments of the securing mechanism 16described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the securingmechanism 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing mechanism 16includes a support ring 190 with a plurality of tabs 192 integrallyformed from the ring 190. The support ring 190 may defined by an outsidediameter 194, an inside diameter 196, a width 198, and a thickness 200.The tabs may be defined by a length 202 and a height 204. As shown inFIG. 7, L-shaped cuts may be made in the support ring 190 and theresulting tab 192 bent to be approximately parallel with the axial axis22. In other embodiments, the tabs 192 may be formed separate from thesupport ring 190 and coupled to the support ring 190 via welding,brazing, or another fastening technique. In some embodiments, the tabs192 may have different shapes by using other cutout patterns. In otherembodiments, the support ring 190 and tabs 192 may be made from avariety of materials, such as, but not limited to various metals, metalalloys, steel, stainless steel, composites (e.g., fiber reinforcedcomposites), and so forth. The material selected for a particularapplication may depend on the fluid conveyed by the flexible pipe 12 andother service conditions, such as pressure, temperature, and so forth.The tabs 192 may be cut from the support ring 190 using a variety oftechniques, such as, but not limited to, cutting, snipping, sawing,water jet cutting, laser cutting, plasma cutting, and so forth. In theillustrated embodiment, four tabs 192 are formed along the insidediameter 196 and four tabs 192 are formed along the outside diameter194. However, in other embodiments, different numbers of tabs 192 may beused, such as 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, or more tabs along one or both of theinside and outside diameters 196 and 194. The tabs 192 may be spacedapart from one another evenly or not.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the securingmechanism 16 prior to inserting into the flexible pipe 12. As shown inFIG. 8, openings 20 have been formed in the flexible pipe 12corresponding to the tabs 192 of the securing mechanism 16.Specifically, four openings 20 have been formed in the liner 30 and fouropenings 20 have been formed in the shield layer 36 corresponding to theeight tabs 192 of the securing mechanism 16. The number and arrangementof the openings 20 may be varied depending on the configuration of thesecuring mechanism 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 20may be defined by a length 220, a width 222, and a height 224. Ingeneral, the length 220, width 222, and height 224 of the openings 20may be equal to or slightly greater than the corresponding length 202,thickness 200, and height 204 of the tabs 192 to enable the tabs 192 toeasily be disposed in the openings 20. However, in certain embodiments,the length 220, width 222, and height 224 of the openings 20 may beslightly less than the corresponding length 202, thickness 200, andheight 204 of the tabs 192 to provide an interference fit that helpsprevent the securing mechanism 16 from being easily separated from theend 18 of the flexible pipe 12. In certain embodiments, the securingmechanism 16 may be coupled to the reinforcement layer 34 prior tocoupling the pipe fitting 14 to the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12. Inother words, adhesive, welding, brazing, or other fastening techniquesmay be used to help prevent the securing mechanism 16 from uncouplingfrom the flexible pipe 12 before coupling the pipe fitting 14. Ingeneral, the width 222 of the opening may be reduced to reduce theamount of reinforcement layer 34 exposed by the openings 20, therebymaintaining the hoop strength of the shield layer 36 and helping toprevent the steel layers of the reinforcement layer 34 from pushingoutwards.

In certain embodiments, the length 220 of the opening 20 may begenerally longer than the length 202 of the tab 192 to enable thesupport ring 190 to be flush against the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12when installed. The openings 20 may be formed in the flexible pipe 12using a variety of techniques, such as, but not limited to, cutting,sawing, drilling, melting, water jet cutting, laser cutting, plasmacutting, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the height 224 of theopenings 20 may correspond to the thickness of the liner 30 and shieldlayer 36. Thus, the tabs 192 may contact the reinforcement layer 34. Inother embodiments, the height 224 of the openings 20 may be slightlyless than the thickness of the liner 30 and shield layer 36. In suchembodiments, the openings 20 do not open into the reinforcement layer34. In these embodiments, the securing mechanism 16 is forced throughthe liner 30, the shield layer 36, or both into the reinforcement layer34 during the swaging process.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the securingmechanism 16 installed in the flexible pipe 12. As shown in FIG. 9, thetabs 192 of the securing mechanism 16 have been inserted into theopenings 20 of the flexible pipe 12. In addition, the securing mechanism16 may be generally flush or in contact with the end 18 of the flexiblepipe 12. In other embodiments, a gap may be provided between thesecuring mechanism 12 and the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12. In otherwords, the securing mechanism 16 may be partially disposed in theopening 20. After the securing mechanism 16 has been coupled to the end18 of the flexible pipe 12, the flexible pipe 12 may be inserted in thepipe fitting 14, such as the midline fitting shown in FIGS. 3-5, the endfitting shown in FIG. 6, or another type of pipe fitting 14.Alternatively, the securing mechanism 16 may be inserted into the pipefitting 14 first and then the flexible pipe 12 inserted into the pipefitting 14, thereby engaging the securing mechanism 16 to the flexiblepipe 12. In such embodiments, the securing mechanism 16 may bepermanently coupled to the pipe fitting 14, such as via welding orbrazing, or simply inserted into the pipe fitting 14 without a permanentconnection. Afterwards, the pipe fitting 14 may be secured to theflexible pipe 12, such as via the swaging process described above.During the swaging process, the tabs 192 may be moved or forced againstthe reinforcement layer 34 by moving in the radial direction 24.Specifically, tabs 192 disposed along the outside diameter 194 of thesecuring mechanism 16 may be moved or forced inward against thereinforcement layer 34 (i.e., toward the axial axis 22) and tabs 192disposed along the inside diameter 196 of the securing mechanism 16 maybe moved or forced outward against the reinforcement layer 34 (i.e.,away from the axial axis 22). Thus, the swaging process causes the tabs192 of the securing mechanism 16 to engage with the reinforcement layer34, thereby providing a more secure connection between the pipe fitting14 and the flexible pipe 12. In other words, the securing mechanism 16provides for metal-to-metal contact between the pipe fitting 14 and themetal located in the reinforcement layer 34 compared to metal-to-plasticcontact between the pipe fitting 14 and the plastic of the liner 30 orshield layer 36. Such metal-to-metal contact may enable the pipe fitting14 to resist higher pressures or loads that could possibly cause thepipe fitting 14 to uncouple from the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12. Themetal-to-metal contact may also be described as grabbing or locking downonto the reinforcement layer 34. In addition, when performing fittingintegrity testing, which simulates the creep behavior of the plasticover a defined lifecycle of use, the integrity of the plastic isaffected by the creep. The ability to “grab” or “lock into” thereinforcement layer 34 of the flexible pipe 12 via the securingmechanism 12 through the pipe fitting 14 is desirable and may bypass thedependency of grabbing the plastic layers of the flexible pipe 12.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tabs 192 disposed in the shield layer 36 areapproximately opposite from the tabs 192 disposed in the liner 30. Assuch, when the swaging process is used on the pipe fitting 14, the tabs192 may grip or engage the reinforcement layer 34 from opposite sides,thereby providing a more secure connection of the pipe fitting 14 withthe end 18 of the flexible pipe 12. In other embodiments, the securingmechanism 16 may include tabs 192 that engage only one of the shieldlayer 36 or the liner 30.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the securingmechanism 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing mechanism 16includes a first leg 240, a second leg 242, and a connector 244. Thesecuring mechanism 16 may be defined by a length 246, an overall height248, and a thickness 250. In addition, each of the first and second legs240 and 242 may be defined by a leg height 252. In certain embodiments,each of the first and second legs 240 and 242 may include a point 254that eases insertion of the securing mechanism 16 into the flexible pipe12. The point 254 may be a beveled edge, sharpened point or cone, orother shape smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the rest of thefirst or second leg 240 or 242. In other embodiments, the point 254 maybe omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, the connector 244 may couple togetherthe first and second legs 240 and 242. In addition, the connector 244may include a crumple zone 256 configured to at least partially collapsewhen the swaging process is used to secure the pipe fitting 14 to theend 18 of the flexible pipe 12. The crumple zone 256 may be an angled ordouble-beveled shape that enables the connector 244 to fold when a forceis applied parallel to the radial direction 24. In certain embodiments,the crumple zone 256 may be omitted.

In certain embodiments, the securing mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 10 maybe made from a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to variousmetals, metal alloys, steel, stainless steel, composites (e.g., fiberreinforced composites), and so forth. The material selected for aparticular application may depend on the fluid conveyed by the flexiblepipe 12 and other service conditions, such as pressure, temperature, andso forth. The securing mechanism 16 may be cut from a sheet metal orsimilar material using a variety of techniques, such as, but not limitedto, cutting, snipping, sawing, water jet cutting, laser cutting, plasmacutting, and so forth.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexiblepipe 12 prior to insertion of the securing mechanism 16 of FIG. 10. Asshown in FIG. 11, openings 20 have been formed in the flexible pipe 12corresponding to the first and second legs 240 and 242 of the securingmechanism 16. Specifically, four pairs of openings 20 have been formedin the flexible pipe 12 with one opening 20 formed in the liner 30 andanother opening 20 formed in the shield layer 36 for each pair ofopenings 20. The number and arrangement of the pairs of openings 20 maybe varied depending on the securing requirements of a particularapplication. Thus, in some embodiments, different numbers of pairs ofopenings 20 may be used, such as 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, or more pairs ofopenings 20 and the pairs of openings 20 may be spaced apart from oneanother evenly or not. Further the size, shape, and/or dimensions of theopenings 20 may be varied depending on the size, shape, and/ordimensions of the first and second legs 240 and 242 of the securingmechanism 16.

In general, the size and/or dimensions of the openings 20 may be equalto or slightly greater than the corresponding size and/or dimensions ofthe first and second legs 240 and 242 of the securing mechanism 16 toenable the first and second legs 240 and 242 to easily be disposed inthe openings 20. However, in certain embodiments, the size and/ordimensions of the openings 20 may be slightly less than thecorresponding size and/or dimensions of the first and second legs 240and 242 to provide an interference fit that helps prevent the securingmechanism 16 from being easily separated from the end 18 of the flexiblepipe 12. As with the tabs 192 described above, adhesive, welding,brazing, or other fastening techniques may be used to help prevent thefirst and second legs 240 and 242 of the securing mechanism 16 fromuncoupling from the flexible pipe 12 before coupling the pipe fitting14.

In certain embodiments, a length of the opening 20 may be generallylonger than the length 246 of the securing mechanism 16 to enable theconnector 244 to be flush against the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12when installed. The openings 20 may be formed in the flexible pipe 12using a variety of techniques, such as, but not limited to, cutting,sawing, drilling, melting, water jet cutting, laser cutting, plasmacutting, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the openings 20 in theliner 30 and/or shield layer 36 may open into the reinforcement layer34, but in other embodiments, the openings 20 may not open into thereinforcement layer 34. In these embodiments, the securing mechanism 16is forced through the liner 30, the shield layer 36, or both into thereinforcement layer 34 during the swaging process.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the securingmechanism 16 installed in the flexible pipe 12. As shown in FIG. 12, thefirst and second legs 240 and 242 of the securing mechanism 16 have beeninserted into the openings 20 of the flexible pipe 12. In addition, thesecuring mechanism 16 may be generally flush or in contact with the end18 of the flexible pipe 12. In other embodiments, a gap may be providedbetween the securing mechanism 12 and the end 18 of the flexible pipe12. In other words, the securing mechanism 16 may be partially disposedin the opening 20. After the securing mechanism 16 has been coupled tothe end 18 of the flexible pipe 12, the flexible pipe 12 may be insertedin the pipe fitting 14, such as the midline fitting shown in FIGS. 3-5,the end fitting shown in FIG. 6, or another type of pipe fitting 14.Alternatively, the securing mechanism 16 may be inserted into the pipefitting 14 first and then the flexible pipe 12 inserted into the pipefitting 14, thereby engaging the securing mechanism 16 to the flexiblepipe 12. In such embodiments, the securing mechanism 16 may bepermanently coupled to the pipe fitting 14, such as via welding orbrazing, or simply inserted into the pipe fitting 14 without a permanentconnection. Afterwards, the pipe fitting 14 may be secured to theflexible pipe 12, such as via the swaging process described above.During the swaging process, the first and second legs 240 and 242 may bemoved or forced against the reinforcement layer 34 by moving in theradial direction 24. Specifically, the first leg 240 may be moved orforced inward against the reinforcement layer 34 (i.e., toward the axialaxis 22) and the second leg 242 may be moved or forced outward againstthe reinforcement layer 34 (i.e., away from the axial axis 22). Thus,the swaging process causes the first and second legs 240 and 242 of thesecuring mechanism 16 to engage with the reinforcement layer 34, therebyproviding a more secure connection between the pipe fitting 14 and theflexible pipe 12. In other words, the securing mechanism 16 provides formetal-to-metal contact between the pipe fitting 14 and the metal locatedin the reinforcement layer 34 compared to metal-to-plastic contactbetween the pipe fitting 14 and the plastic of the liner 30 or shieldlayer 36. Such metal-to-metal contact may enable the pipe fitting 14 toresist higher pressures or loads that could possible cause the pipefitting 14 to uncouple from the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second legs 240 and 242 areapproximately opposite from one another. As such, when the swagingprocess is used on the pipe fitting 14, the first and second legs 240and 242 may grip or engage the reinforcement layer 34 from oppositesides, thereby providing a more secure connection of the pipe fitting 14with the end 18 of the flexible pipe 12. In other embodiments, thesecuring mechanism 16 may include only one of the first and second legs240 and 242 to engage only one of the shield layer 36 or the liner 30.In such embodiments, the connector 244 may be omitted.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first leg 240 of thesecuring mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 10. However, the followingdiscussion applies equally to the second leg 242 of the securingmechanism 16 or the tabs 192 of the securing mechanism shown in FIGS.7-9. As discussed earlier, the shape of the first and second legs 240and 242 may be varied depending on the requirements for a particularapplication. As shown in FIG. 13, the first leg 240 has a trapezoidalcross-sectional shape with a long base 270 having a length longer than ashort base 272. Such a configuration may provide for additional surfacearea of the first leg 240 in contact with the reinforcement layer 34,thereby increasing the gripping provided for by the securing mechanism16. The legs 274 of the first leg 240 may be straight as shown in FIG.13 or curved.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the firstleg 240 of the securing mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 10. The followingdiscussion applies equally to the second leg 242 of the securingmechanism 16 or the tabs 192 of the securing mechanism shown in FIGS.7-9. As shown in FIG. 14, the first leg 240 has a curved trapezoidalcross-sectional shape (i.e., annular sector) with the long base 270being curved and having a length longer than the short base 272 that isalso curved. Such a configuration may enable additional surface area ofthe first leg 240 to be in contact with the curved surface of thereinforcement layer 34, thereby increasing the gripping provided for bythe securing mechanism 16. The legs 274 of the first leg 240 may bestraight as shown in FIG. 14 or curved. In addition, certain aspects ofthe first legs 240 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 may be combined orrearranged. For example, the long base 270 may be curved and the shortbase 272 may be straight in certain embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the firstleg 240 of the securing mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 10. The followingdiscussion applies equally to the second leg 242 of the securingmechanism 16 or the tabs 192 of the securing mechanism shown in FIGS.7-9. As shown in FIG. 15, the first leg 240 has a circular or ovalcross-sectional shape. Such a configuration may simplify theconstruction of the securing mechanism 16 and/or reduce the cost of thesecuring mechanism 16. When the securing mechanism 16 undergoes theswaging process, the cross-sectional shape may correspond more to anoval, thereby increasing the surface area of the first leg 240 incontact with the reinforcement layer 34. Although certaincross-sectional shapes have been shown in FIGS. 13-15, other shapes maybe possible including, but not limited to, various square, rectangular,circular, oval, triangular, polygonal, trapezoidal, or curvedcross-sectional shapes.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the securingmechanism 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the second leg 242 has aserrated surface 290, which may provide increased gripping of the secondleg 242 against the reinforcement layer 34. In other words, the serratedsurface 290 may help the securing mechanism 16 resist being pulled outof the opening 20 after insertion and/or after the swaging process. Incertain embodiments, the first leg 240 may have the serrated surface 290or both the first and second legs 240 and 242 may have serrated surfaces290.

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to alimited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefitof this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may bedevised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure asdescribed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should belimited only by the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of connecting a flexible pipe to a pipefitting, comprising: forming a first opening in a liner layer of theflexible pipe, wherein the liner layer surrounds a bore of the flexiblepipe and the flexible pipe comprises a reinforcement layer implementedaround the liner layer; forming a second opening in a shield layer ofthe flexible pipe, wherein the shield layer is implemented around thereinforcement layer of the flexible pipe; and securing the pipe fittingto the flexible pipe at least in part by: disposing a first leg of asecuring mechanism in the first opening in the liner layer such that thefirst leg extends alongside the bore of the flexible pipe; disposing asecond leg of the securing mechanism in the second opening in thereinforcement layer of the flexible pipe such that the second legextends alongside the bore of the flexible pipe; inserting an end of theflexible pipe that comprises the first opening in the liner layer andthe second opening in the shield layer within a jacket of the pipefitting; and deforming the jacket of the pipe fitting around theflexible pipe to facilitate engaging the securing mechanism with thereinforcement layer of the flexible pipe.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein securing the pipe fitting to the flexible pipe comprisesdisposing the first leg of the securing mechanism in the first openingand disposing the second leg of the securing mechanism in the secondopening such that a connector of the securing mechanism that connectsthe first leg and the second leg directly abuts the end of the flexiblepipe.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the pipe fitting to theflexible pipe comprises disposing the first leg of the securingmechanism in the first opening and disposing the second leg of thesecuring mechanism in the second opening such that a gap is left betweenthe end of the flexible pipe and a connector of the securing mechanismthat connects the first leg and the second leg.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein inserting the end of the flexible pipe within the jacket ofthe pipe fitting fluidly couples a vent passage formed through the pipefitting to an annulus of the flexible pipe that is implemented betweenthe liner layer and the shield layer.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein:the securing mechanism comprises a support ring; the first leg comprisesa first tab that extends out from the support ring; and the second legcomprises a second tab that extends out from the support ring.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein deforming the jacket of the pipe fittingaround the flexible pipe comprises: forcing the first leg of thesecuring mechanism outwardly through the liner layer of the flexiblepipe such that the first leg engages the reinforcement layer of theflexible pipe; forcing the second leg of the securing mechanism inwardlythrough the shield layer of the flexible pipe such that the second legengages the reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe, or both.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the securing mechanism comprises a connectorthat connects the first leg and the second leg; and deforming the jacketof the pipe fitting around the flexible pipe comprises deforming theconnector to enable the first leg and the second leg of the securingmechanism to grab onto the reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe. 8.A securing mechanism for a flexible pipe, comprising: a first legconfigured to be at least partially disposed within a first opening thatis formed in a liner layer of the flexible pipe such that the first legextends alongside a bore of the flexible pipe, wherein the liner layerdefines the bore of the flexible pipe and the flexible pipe comprises areinforcement layer implemented around the liner layer; a second legconfigured to be at least partially disposed within a second openingthat is formed in a shield layer of the flexible pipe such that thesecond leg extends alongside the bore of the flexible pipe, wherein theshield layer is implemented around the reinforcement layer of theflexible pipe; and a connector that connects the first leg and thesecond leg, wherein the connector is configured to enable the securingmechanism to be deformed such that the first leg and the second legengage the reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe to facilitatesecuring an end of the flexible pipe in a pipe fitting.
 9. The securingmechanism of claim 8, wherein the first leg is configured to be disposedwithin the first opening and the second leg is configured to be disposedwithin the second opening such that the connector is flush with the endof the flexible pipe.
 10. The securing mechanism of claim 8, wherein thefirst leg is configured to be disposed within the first opening and thesecond leg is configured to be disposed within the second opening suchthat a gap is left between the connector of the securing mechanism andthe end of the flexible pipe.
 11. The securing mechanism of claim 8,wherein the connector comprises a crumple zone configured to at leastpartially collapse when a jacket of the pipe fitting is deformed aroundthe flexible pipe to facilitate securing the end of the flexible pipe inthe pipe fitting.
 12. The securing mechanism of claim 8, wherein thefirst leg, the second leg, or both comprise serrations that extendperpendicular to the bore of the flexible pipe.
 13. The securingmechanism of claim 8, wherein the first leg, the second leg, or bothcomprise a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.
 14. The securing mechanismof claim 8, wherein: the first leg comprises a convex inward-facingsurface; and the second leg comprises a concave inward-facing surface.15. The securing mechanism of claim 8, wherein: the connector comprisesa support ring; the first leg comprises a first tab that extends outfrom the support ring; and the second leg comprises a second tab thatextends out from the support ring.
 16. The securing mechanism of claim15, wherein: the first tab extends out from an outer diameter of thesupport ring; and the second tab extends out from an inner diameter ofthe support ring
 17. A securing mechanism for a flexible pipe,comprising: a support ring configured to be disposed at an end of theflexible pipe that is to be secured in a pipe fitting; a first pluralityof tabs that extend out from the support ring, wherein each tab of thefirst plurality of tabs is configured to be inserted into a liner layerof the flexible pipe that is implemented within a reinforcement layer ofthe flexible pipe; and a second plurality of tabs that extend out fromthe support ring, wherein each tab of the plurality of tabs isconfigured to be inserted into a shield layer of the flexible pipe thatis implemented around the reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe. 18.The securing mechanism of claim 17, wherein: each tab of the firstplurality of tabs extends out from an outer diameter of the supportring; and each tab of the second plurality of tabs extends out from aninner diameter of the support ring.
 19. The securing mechanism of claim17, wherein: each tab of the first plurality of tabs is implemented atleast in part by cutting and bending material along an outer diameter ofthe support ring; and each tab of the second plurality of tabs isimplemented at least in part by cutting and bending material along aninner diameter of the support ring.
 20. The securing mechanism of claim17, wherein: each tab of the first plurality of tab is configured to beforced outwardly through the liner layer of the flexible pipe to engagethe reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe when a jacket of the pipefitting is deformed around the flexible pipe to facilitate securing theend of the flexible pipe in the pipe fitting; and each tab of the secondplurality of tabs is configured to be forced inwardly through the shieldlayer of the flexible pipe to engage the reinforcement layer of theflexible pipe when the jacket of the pipe fitting is deformed around theflexible pipe to facilitate securing the end of the flexible pipe in thepipe fitting.